2012 Signorello Estate Padrone Proprietary Red Napa Valley 750 ml

WineAccess Experience: Rolling Out the Red Carpet at Signorello Estate

When we first conjured up the idea for WineAccess Experiences, we did so with two things in mind. First, we were looking for a sales rap with which to engage the Napa Valley elite — wineries turning out Cabernet Sauvignons that have been rated 96-100 points by The Wine Advocate or Wine Spectator and, as a result, with far too little supply to meet demand.

But second, we were hoping to provide our membership with insider experiences, an opportunity escape the increasingly maddening Napa Valley crowds, to enjoy food, conversation, and, of course, multiple vintages of some of the valley’s most sought-after Cabernet Sauvignons.

In 2011, we landed just such an offer with Ray Signorello, Jr., whose family stronghold on Silverado Trail just off the southern edge of the Stags Leap line ranks among the rarest jewels of that world-class neighborhood. WineAccess proposed an experience like no other: Buyers of four bottles of the 2007 Signorello “Padrone” would receive an invitation from the winery for a unique experience for up to four visitors. Then Ray would roll out the red carpet.

By directing our membership right to Ray Signorello’s doorstep, the winery had an opportunity to add big spenders to their high-margin, direct-to-consumer club — a gesture that no other retailer had ever made for a Napa Valley winery. The winery would win, and so would our members.

What was in it for WineAccess? The largest allocation in the country of Signorello “Padrone.”

The story gets better. We learned that the first four groups arrived just on time at Signorello. Two hours later, they departed after one of the most unforgettable wine experiences of their lifetimes. All joined the Signorello club — AFTER they spent a combined $35,000!!!

It’s taken five years for Ray Signorello, Jr. to come back to us with an experience and a Cabernet Sauvignon as compelling as the last. But two weeks ago, Ray did just that, not only promising to roll out the Signorello red carpet one more time, but also proposing one of the most sought-after Cabernet Sauvignons of the “watershed” 2012 vintage to WineAccess.

The 2012 Signorello “Padrone” earned 97+ points from Robert Parker, who described “notes of charcoal, scorched earth, blackcurrant, blackberry, chocolate… A wine of great intensity, full-bodied opulence and a multilayered mouthfeel… Drink it over the next 30 years!” Ray Signorello’s 2012 would join the ranks of Harlan Estate, Screaming Eagle, and Colgin — while OUTPOINTING Opus One — as the top-rated Cabernet Sauvignons of the year.

300 bottles of the 2012 “Padrone” — the largest single allocation in the country — have been earmarked for WineAccess. Buyers of 3 bottles or more will receive a personal invitation for an Silverado Trail experience that includes a tour of the vineyards and private tasting of each of Signorello’s five estate-grown Cabernet Sauvignons, accompanied by a spread of artisanal local cheeses and charcuterie … as Ray Signorello, Jr. once again rolls out the red carpet for WineAccess.